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Old 03-09-2008, 12:09 AM   #1
mom2rafael
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Dining with Dietary Restrictions at Universal

Hey,

I have a son with multiple food allergies and Disney always does such a great job at accomodating special dietary requests. Has anyone toured Universal Orlando with this issue? Did you find the folks in the restaurants receptive and able to cater to the needs of the diner? Were reservations needed? I know that when we last toured, I had no luck with one of the counter service locales in IOA, but I figured the sit downs are probably more accomodating. I always carry back up foods but it would be nice to have him sit down to a warm, safe meal like he can at WDW. Any feedback greatly appreciated.
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Old 03-09-2008, 12:21 AM   #2
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I've heard at Mythos, the chef will actually come out and talk to you about your food allergies and try to make something that he will like. I believe the other full service restaurants will be as accommodating.

It's easier to be accommodating at full service places than counter service. Counter service tends to be assembly line. They slap the burger on the bun the same way for everyone.
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Old 03-09-2008, 11:45 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by BarryH View Post
I've heard at Mythos, the chef will actually come out and talk to you about your food allergies and try to make something that he will like. I believe the other full service restaurants will be as accommodating.

It's easier to be accommodating at full service places than counter service. Counter service tends to be assembly line. They slap the burger on the bun the same way for everyone.
Thanks for tip, I will definitely check out the full service spots at UO. And, yes, I agree that full service spots will generally always be more accomodating that counter service spots. But I figured I would give asking a shot since every counter service spot that we had visited on that same trip at Disney was able to accomodate his food allergies. The head cook would come out at each spot and talk with us. They did this on the spot for us without advance notice at Tusker House, Cosmic Ray's, the Commissary, the food court at the resort, etc... Granted, most times it was a hamburger or chicken breast and fries which they just cooked separately in the back, but that worked for him most of the time since he never rarely ever gets to eat "fast food" at home! LOL

Mythos sounds cool, though. Gonna have to check that one out. Thanks again.
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Old 03-09-2008, 11:59 PM   #4
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I think some of the counter service restaurants may be accommodating if they're not too busy. If it is open, see if you can talk to the chef at Thunder Falls Terrace. The restaurant is generally not too busy (thus why it is open seasonally) and I'm sure someone can help you out there.

Other sit-down restaurants are Confscio's Grille at IOA, and Finnegan's and Lombard's Landing at USF.

I'm curious to see how accommodating Universal is with food allergies. Let me know how things went. Ohhh...I will have to wait until after July. Is it July yet?
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Last edited by BarryH; 03-10-2008 at 12:01 AM.. Reason: Added information
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Old 03-10-2008, 12:03 PM   #5
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I'll definitely post when we get back and let you know. We're going to check out SeaWorld, too - so it'll be interesting to see how accomodating they can be as well.

And nope, not July yet - counting the minutes, though. Even if I'm already dreading the humidity! Not my first choice of time to go, but anytime in Central Florida is better than no time!
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Old 03-11-2008, 02:51 AM   #6
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I'd be interested in how Sea World handles the allergies. The only full service restaurant is Sharks Underwater Grill. I would try that out to see if you can talk to the chef. There always seems to be a long wait to get in, so I'd suggest making a reservation. To do so, drop by the restaurant between 10 am and 11 am. An employee will take down same-day reservations. Instead of waiting 45 minutes, you'll have a 15 minute wait with a reservation.

I don't know how the other parks handle allergies. I think you might have a lot of problems at Cypress Gardens or Gatorland.
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Old 03-14-2008, 10:16 AM   #7
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All great ideas! Thanks! And yes, I will def report back on the dining experience at SeaWorld. I don't think we're going to have time to make it to Cypress Gardens or Gatorland, but if we do, I'll post about that as well.

Thanks again.
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